Readers React to “No Canopy For You!”

Why ? Didn’t Rococo’s have a canopy?

Yes I thought they did too. Maybe not as long as this one

Screw that place. The owner screwed, alledgely, Roccos and that's why they left the scene.

paul agree, and I will not dine there. That said, why deny the canopy? Rocco’s had one…

This is ridiculous.... the borough should be more concerned about having a dead deer removed on Washington Ave! The corpse was on our road in 98° for over five days with a white sheet over it... had I not called it in it would still be here! A little bit confused how the police or fire department didn't see that considering it's right across the street from them!

Lori Kramer Washington Ave(PA Rt 332) is a state road. Penn Dot is responsible for removal of dead deer, via a contractor. You can report it on www.penndot.gov

i'm aware, but the fact that no one reported it in the Burough for more than five days is unacceptable. I'm the one that actually made the phone call to have it removed. You could smell it from two blocks away.

Seems odd if they are citing historical reasons, because those awnings aren't historical either

How about the awning at the funeral home? Is that considered historical?

Lori they had to shorten theirs.

Absolutely ridiculous that it was denied 🙄 it looks great! cleaning that place up instead of being vacant

Too bad. Though it was a nice touch, plus add a protection in bad weather. Why???

What's the big deal ?

Still have pot holes not filled in roads

Don

Are the potholes on boro or state owned roads. If state owned you can report it via www.penndot.gov

You’d think they’d be thrilled that that prominent space isn’t sitting empty.

I don’t like owners either but I’m sure they would have allowed a new development to do whatever they wanted!

Yet another case of focusing on the wrong priorities. Just like the way everything else goes in Newtown...

John what happened to the soup?

I think it looked great and inviting entrance.

With the way restaurants have been dropping like flies in Newtown, its a shame that an owner crazy enough to risk taking this spot to open a new venture has to fight these kinds of battles. No one is altering the structure of the building. Maybe the restaurant has a long run there but it wont last forever and it wont change the structure.

The canopy looks great but did they get approval prior to erecting?

Disappointed with the boro council. The restaurant name and type of food served is across the canape. I don't know what boro permits of square footage of sign, that canape is a sign. This will open the door for other business to follow in their foot steps. Business can become like small children of one get why not me.

The risk here is the landlord, remember? Also some in the industry get restaurant popular. Then sell it to am unsuspecting buyer. The chef leaves along with other key staff. Now this staff moves on to another restaurant. Then it rense and repeat.

I am not in the biz but I know people who have been very successful in it, I also know all about the big risks. Hence my point about why this issue should not be ann issue.

stupidest argument yet!! Newtown is ridiculous! You’re right with all the businesses that come and go, they want to argue this?

Air conditioning is not historic either. Should that be banned ?

You can't see the AC.

I need this amount of free time in my life to worry about a small canopy at a restaurant.

If they want really be historic rip the bathrooms out and put the early 1900s men’s restroom back in

and remove all air conditioners and refrigerators. We will show them how stupid we can be while driving businesses out of Newtown. Huzzah!

H.A.R.B.-----N.U.T.S.

Newtown Hysterical Anti Renovation Board more like it Between residents calling them out for having "way too much power," people pointing out that it looks infinitely better than the old tent, and the debate over historic stagecoach canopies, the consensus clearly leans toward seeing HARB as an obstacle to local business rather than a helpful guardian of history.

this is a statement both parties can agree on

Doesn’t a structural/aesthetic change need approval prior to purchasing and installing it? Why are they being told now it has to come down? I agree with those that are saying we should be welcoming the new owners and be grateful they are trying to revitalize the borough. It looks better than it has in years.

the Canopy is beautiful… “…canopies did not exist when the Brick was built…”??? either did bathrooms

what a wonderful welcome to our new neighbors that poured $$$$ into a borough that saw a feature restaurant RUN OUT on all of us with false promises on all of its patrons’ gift cards.

I applaud and appreciate and WELCOME the new restaurant and the Canopy aesthetic is Classic.

OK, what about this design? Do you think this would pass?

The canopy scan surged sophistication.

Just say it's an overhead mask to protect patrons from falling Covid

According to a Patch article, Council was tied 3-3. The mayor broke the tie in favor of HARB’s decision not to approve the canopy.

Omg it’s just a friggin canopy. Much nicer than the tent Rocco‘s had on their lawn for many years.

EXACTLY! Get a life people. Where were these people when that hideous tent was up for many years (which is not legal). These people have nothing better to do than complain. It's sad and pathetic.

I understand it being up during Covid because people didn’t wanna eat inside, but after a year or two it should’ve come down

How about a giant gold arch

Perhaps it’s time for some new blood instead of the old stale blood on that particular board. What better way to show off the center of our beautiful town like alfresco dining?

Greystone has a canopy. It’s in Newtown. It’s a historic building.

It's not apples to apples, this is in the Borough. I agree its silly but the Brick is a historic building and Rocco's should never have been kicked out.

why was it ok for the last owner to have tents and fire pits on the lawn all year round ??

I think this decision is misguided as well as historically inaccurate. We should be welcoming the owners of Donatelli's to Newtown with open arms instead of this hostility. The borough needs revitalization and quite frankly the building currently looks better than it has ever looked.

My research indicates that canopies were in fact utilized in historic Taverns and Inns in Pennsylvania. In fact the restaurant owners stated intentions of providing shelter for customers from the rain was specifically mentioned in an historical article on canopies - they "shielded arriving stagecoach passengers and pedestrians from Pennsylvania’s heavy rain, snow, and ice before they stepped inside."

The mayor's priority should be what is best for Newtown, and while I appreciate the mission of the Architectural Review Board this is a step in the wrong direction. The Borough needs anchor establishments like Donatelli's to bring more people into town to support our local businesses. Stop making it so difficult for them to come to Newtown!

I agree go down to Cape May and see all the canopies

The more you look around Newtown, the more ridiculous and inconsistent some of these decisions seem.

Historic preservation is important. I think most of us agree that the character and architecture of Newtown should be protected. But preservation also has to involve common sense. This canopy does not destroy the historic character of the Brick Hotel. In my opinion, it complements the building, provides a practical benefit for customers, and is a tremendous improvement over what was there previously.

Just look around town. The Greystone restaurant has a substantial canopy, and that is a historic building as well. Drive a few blocks in almost any direction and you’ll find awnings, signs, additions, and other features that raise the question: Where is the consistency?

Here we have a hardworking businessman willing to make a major investment, take over a historic property that could have sat vacant for who knows how long, improve it, create jobs, generate tax revenue, and bring another quality restaurant to the community. God bless him for taking that risk and putting his money and reputation behind Newtown.

Preserving history shouldn’t mean freezing a town in time. Historic buildings have to remain useful, viable, and economically sustainable if we want them preserved for future generations.

The canopy isn’t the enemy of historic preservation. It’s a tasteful, functional addition to a building that is being given new life. It should never have become this kind of obstacle in the first place.

Um, if you look in the photo there is a window air conditioner unit...I don't want to claim to be an historian, nor did I pay attention in school. Can anyone tell me what chapter in the history book of the 1800's when the window air conditioner unit was invented?

The place has sat empty since a wonderful restaurant was kicked out. An empty historical building on the main street of newtown looks alot worse than an historical building with people outside enjoying a restaurant with an awning.

It boggles my mind that someone else is trying to work with the owner and open a restaurant there, but this canopy is tasteful and should not be opposed.

I heard they’re from out of town. I fear that they didn’t know about the owner when they signed the lease.

the owner of the building is the problem...

This is a "Solution in search of a Problem" ! That canopy looked good, in fact !

Can the structure be converted to a McDonald’s?

Nobody asked any questions before hand?

Okay, I'll be the opposing viewpoint. It is a historic building that very likely has some connection with the underground railroad. The Canopy does take away from the historic look. This is Newtown, not Sicily. It's really not a big deal one way or the other but I agree it looks better without.

Leave it be with the canopy....it looks fine!

This is one big sign. Could had left it blank. These cloth canopies age quickly, alot of labor to clean. But it is one big ad!

Do better Newtown! It’s just a canopy! Best of luck to the new owners!

It's no wonder they have been called "The Newtown Hysterical Society" for so long....The building that was occupied by the Indian restaurant in town was a total eyesore...it was in need of repair and paint for many years and nothing was ever done until they closed the restaurant.

H.A.R.B. = Hysterical Anti Renovation Board.

And they approved total reconstruction of that historic building.

I think it looks good !

Canopy Looks great!

Crazy mayor! Reverse course and let the canopy up!

It is a nice elegant touch to a classy place! Plus it gives you protection from the weather when you valet your car!

Be bougie! Let it go up!

I’m sorry, we are against a canopy?? Is this for real? I feel like I am being punked. I hope they are a fabulous, successful restaurant!

Not bad at all!

It looks nice and serves a purpose.

I have no issue with this. In fact quite attractive.

I personally love it!!!

Didn’t the prior place have some silly white party tent

The tents that were there didn’t look so great either but they and the canopy serve a purpose. Can’t wait to try this new restaurant

Dear God - be happy someone took over that space yet AGAIN!

We should be supporting all business owners who invest in our communities to the fullest

Canopy is great, looks great and helps in all weather situations … problem here is - it’s actually perfect and makes too much sense and that’s why the negative side of the board went … well, NEGATIVE. Go. Figure.

I love the Canopy. I think it enhances the restaurants new appearance, a far cry from Rocco’s filthy eyesore of a tent.

Can they use umbrellas @ tables? I'm so glad it's not another chain restaurant.

Yet the hideous tent structure that was there for years was ok. And don’t get me started on the sewer treatment plant that almost was a thing. It’s a canopy for Pete’s sake. What’s the big deal!!!

Get rid of the old or young farts on the board who are complaining

Just a question.... when they valet your car, where do they park them?

used to be at the church

But they are going to approve a rooftop bar on a historic building

that’s Newtown Township

Yet Rocco’s had a unkempt white tent up for years

Kind of weak arguments. Historically they didn’t have glasses in porches either.

Speaking about the town’s involvement, the No paper bag (or pay for one ) situation. It SOOOOO FAKE! It’s ok to use paper if you pay for it

The first question is who is getting paid off There’s been canopy’s and tents for 6 years Why can’t they do it now

First world problems

What is the big deal really does that many people care.

A canopy? Really? I love how people want to preserve history but there will be nothing to preserve if a building doesn’t actually make money. You can go on and on about history but you can’t exist without MONEY!! But go ahead, fight about a canopy and take down someone trying to bring jobs to the town and prevent a huge vacant space at the corner of a very popular street. Was there not a GIGANTIC generic party tent outside of this restaurant for years? This is what you are opposing? A dark colored canopy with a logo it on that actually helps people not get absolutely soaked if there is a line or a wait and it’s raining? A agree with one of the previous comments….spare me. When the street is empty and the town is losing money because of opposition to nonsense like this I’m sure all those people will be wondering why the town is not as desirable any longer.

Agree 100%. Do the people in charge of overseeing the township and borough think that residents don’t care about these things? The old Guru’s building was an absolute disgrace. A blight on the face of Newtown. And now construction had for some reason come to a screeching halt. The building looks terrible. For the taxes we pay, Newtown residents deserve better. How is it that Doylestown, Yardley and New Hope all look pristine and manicured but Newtown can’t keep up?

First world problems... what a joke!!

Ridiculous that the mayor voted to have the canopy removed.

It’s so stupid. It’s a canopy. Anyone who voted against it should be fired or not reelected A new place of business means jobs and tax revenues.

HARB doesn’t (sic) great job insuring that the historic nature of area is preserved. Feel free to live somewhere else if you don’t like it.

Seems like the people who like to dine out are speaking volumes they don't want to get soaked going to dinner!!! Too bad Council feels otherwise a real shame The Brick defines Newtown just remember restaurants are a tough business model take away the canopy and have people getting soaked will go elsewhere.

We lost the Relic the old Rhoades florist is still not done.

The Brick hotel years and years ago sat vacant with overgrown front lawn. Keep hammering businesses in the Boro they will leave.

I really think a wrong decision was made

The stuff this town focuses on… are they going to build a house there instead?

Newtown lost its small town charm a long time ago .

Dumb decision

It seemed like the decision was based not of law, not on historic preservation of the building but on person preference and taste of the board. Shame on the board.

Who wants to start a petition because we are supporting a new business, this is ridiculous

I would never open a business in a community considered historic. It's just not worth the headaches.

Wow-is this what rich people worry about? We just get storage units and Wawas down this end.

Who the f… cares about a Flip’in canopy?!?!

The sign is tacky.

Way to welcome new business owners to the community if this is true.

Stupid waste of the boards time.

They can stop a canopy but they can't stop 3 simultaneously build large scale apartment buildings that are going to flood interior Newtown boro and residential neighborhoods with 1000+ new cars.

Spare me! This is ridiculous.

The Newtown snobs have spoken.

The snot noises are making business leave again !

Never mind the place has looked like dog s#!+ for years anyway

Which HARB code is being referenced for the denial? Is it grounded in code or does HARB make it up as they go along. The group’s frustrating inconsistency suggests the latter.

based on my experience in that meeting last night, they make it up . At one point they were even discussing the definition of “in kind.”

Like they don’t know what the definition is ?

It ridiculous! Whats wrong with it?

Why anyone would purchase a historical home or open a shop or Resturant and want to deal with all that off the rails controlling BS baffles my mind!

Status

Not allowing the canopy is beyond ridiculous! I think the canopy adds to the beauty of the building.

Crazy people in charge! Toxic power!

I would love to know how many people are unhappy with harb and the Boro that all we want to do is improve Newtown not run it into the ground

We had to go thru the historical society and Newtown Boro for our house remodel as much as I welcome having those 2 organizations for approval the problem being they have way too much power control I met a new neighbor also doing a remodel all he said was going into a meeting for approvals was very unwelcoming and why do they sit with their arms folded why can’t they be neighborly we’re improving Newtown

No surprise. Newtown is not business friendly…

These townships stop stupid things like that.Canopy.And then wonder why businesses do not wanna go to their townships

I wish the new owners luck, I hope they are a successful part of the local community.

Hey Council, Nothing better to do ??

This is ridiculous

Just wrong

Silly. It's a canopy. People in this town are nuts

Why don’t you people let business survive move on with your life!!!!!!!!

There was no air conditioning either so I guess that has to come out

Also. What a bunch of idiots

This is ridiculous

Impeach them all

What a bunch of idiots to deny that canopy. Newtown is becoming a joke

Such nonsense. You couldn’t pay me enough to open a business in Newtown.

Some people live their lives everyday looking for things to complain about. It is their soul purpose, and makes them feel important. Pathetic!

This is pure definition of a small town official flexing their authoritarian muscles, absolutely 0 rational thinking behind this mentally inept decision.

What a stupid thing to argue about. I’m sure there’s more important things to discuss than a canopy. Absolutely ridiculous

Get a life !

Stupidity

Good Lord... Get a life people!!